In fact, during the recent event, referring to the novel coronavirus as a virus from a specific region strengthened that particular assumption.

My take might not be entirely correct about xenophobia. Being an Indian in the US, I might have come across casual racism, masqueraded as stereotypes, but I have not faced extreme hatred yet. Being an Indian lady in India, where casual sexism is an everyday matter, I don’t think I get affected by casual racism at all.

Also, xenophobia seems like an untrue phenomenon and more like a narrative. I will tell you why I say this – because the US is a land of immigrants. It seems unbelievable for a country to have a fear of what it built itself. But then, there are individual races for whom the phenomenon might be entirely accurate. For example, the African Americans and the Mexicans – the most affected from the present-day situation. And not to mention, the South-East Asian community, more for the recent events. Of course, there are the “white privileges”, but I don’t think there are countries where the ‘first-class’ citizens don’t expect to be treated as specials!

It always is a political matter – you will please a minority to safe-guard your vote -bank. Or maybe, you will please the majority and turn it against the minority. This is precisely how it’s played everywhere.

Xenophobia is an extreme and robust term to be used for anyone. However, if you have a different opinion, let us talk about it!

PS: I came across this exciting take on xenophobia, which talks about the paradox too. You might want to read this!